Australian College of Theology awarded university college status

The Australian College of Theology has been given university college status after the higher education regulator reversed its ruling.

The Australian College of Theology has gained the ­status of a university college

The Australian College of Theology has been raised to the ­status of a university college, following a decision of the higher education regulator to reverse last year’s refusal to do so.

Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency chief commissioner Peter Coaldrake said that, after the ACT presented new evidence, his agency had decided it met the standard to be a university college.

ACT dean and chief executive James Dalziel said he was pleased to see that TEQSA had recognised the quality of the college’s education.

The ACT, which has about 3000 students in theology, ministry and Christian studies in a network of 16 affiliated institutions across Australia, was formed by the Anglican Church in 1891. The church is no longer the controlling entity but still has a stake in the college.

ACT is the fifth higher institution to be recognised as a university college since the category was introduced in mid-2021.

Independent Higher Education Australia chief executive Peter Hendy said the decision by the regulator highlighted “the growing respect and recognition of the independent higher education sector in the Australian community”.